The Boy Wonder Part Four: Family Matters

Part One: Captain Karate 

Part Two: The Origin Story 

Part Three: Juvenile Delinquent 

 

 

Martin has been dreading this day since his parents told him about it. 

“Martin! Easton’s here!”

 

It’s been two years since Martin has dedicated himself to his training regime. Now 15 years old, he's practiced and worked out almost every day in the basement, all by himself, refusing to spar with his Father anymore. His Father was hurt at first, but chalked it up to teenage rebellion which would he was sure Martin would grow out of. He knows his son, he know's Martin's a good kid at heart. He just has to give him space. 

 

However, his parents realized that Martin rarely went out after school anymore, and he never stayed after. They never heard him talk to friends, and rarely heard him even laugh or saw him smile. They’ve grown worried about how cold-blooded he’s suddenly grown, and they’ve been unable to get through to him. Physically, he’s been developing spectacularly into a powerful young man. But socially and emotionally. They worried about him.

 

So, when they heard that their only nephew, Easton, was going to start attending college nearby, they saw an opportunity to help their only son, Martin. Martin and Easton always had fun when they were arranged together, and neither of them had a brother to call their own. So, doing what they felt is best for everyone, they gave Easton a free place to live, and gave Martin a friendly face to have around the house. Maybe one that Martin could confide in and enjoy.

 

Martin groaned and hoped that he could say nothing and they would simply forget that his room existed. He soon realized that this was a hopeless dream, and he promised himself he would no longer believe in hopeless dreams. He sighed and looked around his soon to be crowded room, which he's never shared before. Now, without any discussion, he’s to give up half of his room to his cousin. He had no say in the matter. It didn't matter that he's asked nothing of his parent's for the past couple of years, and he's only argued over this. This was unavoidable, and he was going to lose almost all of the privacy he had over the last two years. 

 

It's not like Martin didn't like his cousin Easton though. He does has fond memories with Easton when they were younger, but it’s been a long time since they’ve seen each other. Martin didn’t know if Easton would be the same person. Martin doesn't know if Easton would expect the same little kid that he was when they last hung out, almost seven years ago. Martin didn’t want to risk anything messing his training regime, it’s the most important thing to him. Not to mention, Martin doesn't know what Easton living here even means.

 

A knock on his door shook Martin out of his mind.

 

“I heard you-“

 

“It’s me bro! Can I come in?” He heard asked from the other side of the door. It must be Easton. His voice was a lot deeper. 

 

Martin sighed and nodded his head. Then he remembered Easton can’t hear him nodding and replied. He saw the door open and he saw his cousin for the first time since he was 8.

 

“Martin! Damn, you’ve been hitting the gym, haven’t you?” Easton said as he dropped a bag next to the door. His brown eyes gleamed, seeing his little cousin for the first time in years.

 

Martin smiled and looked down at his bare upper body and flimsy grey bottoms he always wears when working out. He wanted Easton to see him like this when they are reintroduced, to show Easton that he’s grown and isn’t the same small playful kid that he beat when they wrestled when they were younger. He’s a capable, dedicated and strong young man who doesn’t mess around. But, when he saw his cousin for the first time in so many years, all that show dissipated.

 

“Haha, yeah man. I could say the same about you! You’re huge now, what the frick?” Martin said as he looked over his hulking cousin. Easton didn’t necessarily tower over Martin, but he had a good few inches over him, and his build was more like a series of bricks, whereas Martin had a more chiseled and flexible frame. Martin wanted to find the perfect balance between strength and agility, and constantly finds himself teetering a tad too far in either direction whenever he inspects himself.

 

Easton laughed as he walked up and wrapped his arms around his smaller cousin, tightening around him with love. Martin grunted and wanted to be annoyed, but couldn't help but smile.

 

“It’s been years! I’ve missed you man.” Easton said as he lifted Martin up with ease. Martin couldn’t help but laugh and let himself go, holding onto his cousin with a heart that has been suppressed.

 

“Yo, you’ve gotta tell me all about what you’ve been doing! You still read those comics, right?” Easton said as he put his cousin down and looked around. He saw an old bed with sheets made and a couple pillows lying ontop. “That’s mine, I think?” Easton asked, as he walked over, getting a feel for the bed.

 

Martin looked down and felt his stomach drop at the question regarding his comics. He didn’t want to talk about that all that much.

 

“Yeah, that’s your bed there. The rest of your stuff is downstairs?” Martin asked, wanting to get out of the room.

 

“Yeah, but don’t worry about it man. I’d rather you-“

 

“No, no. I’ll bring them up here.” Martin said, forcing the issue.

 

Easton tried to convince Martin otherwise, but to no avail. Martin went downstairs, picked up Easton’s bags, and took his time doing so. He was trying to think about how to go deal with the more personal issues he’s developed. He has no interest in opening up about them, but he worries that Easton will try to pry him open anyways. The idea somehow managed to escape Martin before this, and an unexpected wave of anxiety ran over him. He had to put down the bags and double over, closing his fretting brown eyes and try to straighten his shakes.

 

Soon, Martin was able to realign himself and bring the bags upstairs. He hoped that he’d be able to deflect everything, and that Easton will take the hint.

 

“Hey, there you are. Was worried you got lost or something.” Easton joked, now shirtless on his new bed.

 

Martin was fixed on his cousin’s strong upper body. It looked so much more built and developed than his did, his pecs bulging out like a couple boulders. His abs were like cinderblocks stacked on top of another, and it was no question for Martin, that Easton was much stronger than he was. Easton even also had much more body hair than Martin did, who found himself suddenly insecure about the lack of hair he has on his body. 

 

“Making yourself comfortable, I see…” Martin said, looking down at his own, built body. He looked at the light line of hair going down his abs, knowing that there's more under his sweats, but still not feeling like it mattered. 

 

“Yeah, gonna be living here, right? Might as well settle in.” Easton said, stretching out on the bed. Martin put the bags down and looked up, just as he saw his cousin grab his crotch and arrange his delicates in a more comfortable way. Martin didn’t realize it before, but Easton had a very large set of meat between his legs, as he could see inside the somewhat tight jeans he had on. Martin felt intimidated, knowing that his manhood didn’t compare. He felt he had an above average set, but seeing Easton’s bulge in his jeans made Martin feel inadequate.

 

“So, what’s been up? Tell me, how-”

 

“Let’s spar in the basement.” Martin interrupted Easton. It was the first thing that came to mind.

 

“Oh… alright, sure.” Easton said, pushing himself up. “Just like old times, right?” Easton said with a smile.

 

Martin looked up at Easton’s smiling face. It aggravated him how confident and uncaring it looked.

 

“It’s not going to be like old times.” Martin said through his teeth.

 

 

Easton followed Martin to the basement, and warmed up in the corner, stretching and reacquainting himself with the size of the basement.

 

“I swear, this room’s gotten smaller…” Easton said, looking around.

 

Martin ignored him, and got himself prepared. He even put his cup on, as he often does when he practices in the basement, even though this is the first time he’s sparred with someone else since the incident.

 

“You’re putting on a cup? You think I’ll go for your balls, man?” Easton said, sounding almost betrayed at the idea. Martin glared up at his cousin’s disappointed, but still handsome face.

 

Martin shrugged, and made sure the cup was on as perfectly as possible. He’s wearing a jockstrap underneath, as he often does now. “You never know…” Martin murmured, not wanting to talk about it.

 

Easton sighed and scratched his head, shifting the light brown hair on his head with the movements. His hair was longer than Martin’s, who insists on keeping his hair buzzed, but it was still shorter than medium.

 

“Yo, bro. Your parents told me you’ve been acting differently recently. Something bothering you? You were more… cheery last I saw you. I know we were kids then, but-”

 

“I’m fine. You ready?” Martin responded, wearing his helmet and gloves already. Easton nodded and the spare helmet on, and strapping on the final strips of the glove. He didn't have a cup on himself inside his tight jeans, which he didn't consider changing out of. The older cousin shook his head and felt like an idiot for asking a question like that so soon. Now was not the time to ask something like that, it felt totally out of place.

 

Easton hit his head a bit to warm up, then got in position and put his fist out, waiting for Martin to pound it, to unofficially begin the spar. Martin looked at the fist for a moment, then realized and carelessly slapped it.

 

The two boys traded blows and warmed up to each other to begin, nothing really impactful happening at first. Just trying to read reactions and get into the swing of each other's tendencies. It's been awhile since they hung out and they both changed a lot. 

Easton was even considering holding back and letting Martin get some easy hits in to boost his spirits.

 

Before Eaton could settle on a course of action, Martin initiated the first power move by baiting a high punch, and using the momentum to toss the bigger man to the floor, in a flawless judo throw. Thankfully, the basement was covered with mats, so the fall wasn’t terrible. But it was still dazing, and it took Easton a moment before he rolled onto his front and stood back up.

 

Martin watched Easton’s expression under the helmet, and saw his bigger cousin’s face look morph from one of confusion into something more understanding, with a dash of respect. Martin felt some pride in himself as he watched his stronger cousin realize that little Martin isn’t a push over anymore.

 

Easton stood up somewhat quickly, but before he was able to swing back into things, Martin threw a quick right to Easton’s face, curled himself in as the force threw his right arm towards his left, pulled a strong right elbow to the other side of Easton’s head, then hooked his arms around Easton’s head, putting him in a headlock. Easton stumbled on his feet, holding onto his younger cousin’s quick yet strong arm, and struggled to stay standing, but it proved futile as Martin pulled Easton around and took him to the floor back first, with his head still locked. Martin fell down with Easton, and let his left knee fall first, impaling Easton’s strong stomach.

 

Easton was caught completely off guard, all to be rounded off with a knee that was pushing all the breath out of his body.

 

“Bro… your knee…” Easton breathlessly croaked, his meaty hands clasping over Martin’s intrusive knee. Martin let go and took his knee off, backing away from his reeling cousin.

 

Easton held his bare stomach and caught his breath on the floor, rolling onto his side and straining slightly. “Damn, your knee dug right into me…”

 

“Sorry, I forgot I have to hold back. I’m not used to it.” Martin said, feeling a bit bad over hurting his cousin like that. He didn’t give the knee any thought, it’s just what he’s trained himself to do.

 

“It’s alright… just hold back a bit. Don’t go breaking me so soon, I just got here.” Easton joked as he moved onto his knees. Martin smirked and bent over to help Easton get back up.

 

“Thanks… and you were right.” Easton said, when back on his feet.

 

“I was right?” Martin asked.

 

“About it not being like old times… I used to whoop you around this basement so easily.” Easton laughed, thinking about the fights the two used to have down here when he came over more often.

 

Martin laughed at the memories too. He remembered running into Easton over, and over again, trying to find a way to take him down. Sometimes, he’d manage it, but Easton would always get the upper hand.

 

“But we aren’t kids anymore. I gotta take you seriously.” Easton said, getting back into his stance.

 

A warm wave of pride rushed through the still freckled teenage boy. His confidence grew, and felt himself move more freely than before.

 

Martin naturally, confidently replied. “It’s my turn to whoop you around, now.”

 

“Haha… we’ll see about that, champ.”

 

The two continued to spar, share blows and try their best to outperform the other. Easton didn’t fall for the same tricks more than twice in a row, and began to read Martin better as it went on.

 

As Martin went for a low kick, which Easton expected, he shifted and dashed into Martin and pummeled him with a strong dragging fist to the face, pulling Martin down towards the ground. Martin found himself reeling at the strike, almost crumbling at the power of the unexpected strike. Easton reached in and grabbed onto Martin’s body as he was bent over, hands hooked over his smaller cousin’s stomach, and lifted Martin up just like when they were children. Martin felt his feet leave the floor, and panicked, flailing as he was lifted off the padding below without any control. Easton used his tremendous power to pull back, and flip Martin inside out, then slamming him to the floor, reminiscent of a gut-wrench powerbomb. Martin bounced off the floor, and all the breath left his body as the force shook his organs and stunned him, unable to move for a couple moments.

 

Martin struggled to catch his breath, and looked up at Easton who was standing over him, in full frame. 

 

“You’re way heavier than when we were kids…” Easton said as he scratched his pec and laughed in friendly spirits. 

 

Martin closed his eyes, but then shot them open again, realizing that he can't just zone out after getting manhandled like that. He almost couldn’t believe he just got powerbombed like that. It was a complete shock to his system, and it rattled his psyche. He had no control over it, he literally just had to take it and wait to fall to the floor. It was difficult for him to move past that.

 

Martin got to his feet as soon as he collected himself, without the help of Easton and the two continued sparring. Martin, now more aware of Easton’s brute strength, was careful not to leave himself open again. He knew he was quicker than Easton, so he had to use his speed and agility to his advantage.

 

After a couple of blocked strikes by Easton, Martin was able to respond with his own, which toppled Easton to the floor by taking out his legs. Martin quickly pounced and tried to arrange himself in an armbar, aiming to get some well needed practice on a moving target. But Easton didn’t let him, and grabbed onto Martin before he was able to apply the hold.

 

From the floor, Easton lifted Martin up and stood up, pulling Martin up with him. Martin struggled, and tried to find a pressure point, or a way to deincentivize Easton from slamming him down again, but quickly realized that he could not do so. 

As Easton was pulling Martin, who has realized he should not be holding onto his older cousin's considerable arm, Easton continued to lift Martin by pulling up on his cousin’s flimsy grey sweats to help stabilize, and when he felt Martin let go of his arm, he pulled his body and arm down to the floor, slamming Martin to the floor once again.

 

This time, Easton fell with Martin, and felt his elbow hit a solid object and bounce with Martin, as the force of the slam vibrated through both. Easton instantly realized it was Martin’s cup that he felt under his elbow.

 

Easton carefully and quickly placed his hands out in worry as he asked “You okay, bro?” almost scaring himself as he realized what he might’ve done.

 

Martin felt shell-shocked from both the impact of the slam, and the feeling of Easton’s elbow slamming into his cup. He instantly felt tight of breath, and shot his hands down to his crotch as soon as he realized, and held the cup with dear life as he fully expected the pain to overwhelm him like it did a couple years ago. 

But that expectation never overwhelmed Martin's young, fit and shocked body. All he felt was a stinging, subtle, lying ache that never really broke through the surface. Martin closed his eyes and breathed out, as he started to believe that he’ll be okay.

 

“Martin, you alright?” Easton asked again, more worried, as Martin didn’t answer the first time. “I didn’t mean to, it was an accident.”

 

“Ah… I’m, I'm okay.” Martin said, out of breath. He was struggling to cope with the situation, but he was cautiously comforted by the thought that he wasn't experiencing that agony again. 

 

“Do you need a minute?” Easton asked, a hand on Martin’s forearm.

 

“Please.” Martin said with his eyes closed.

 

Easton understood and back up, lying on the floor and relaxing for some moments.

 

Meanwhile, Martin held his cup gently, and traveled through his thoughts. At first he felt grateful that the cup saved him, but then he grew anxious, at the idea that the cup had to save him. He never should’ve put himself in that situation to begin with. What if he didn’t wear a cup? He would’ve experienced that terrible pain again, and that thought made him feel sick to his stomach. He then realized how easy it was for Easton to do as he pleased with him, just like that Villain a couple years ago. It made him feel weak, unimportant and inadequate. Martin knows he needs to be better than this. He thought he was strong and capable going into this, he’s trained himself, sculpting his body as best he could and practicing all the moves he thought he needed to as he's grown and developed in recent years. 

But, he’s realized, that he’s not as good as he thought. He’s still weak, still susceptible to being taken advantage of. He has to improve, he has to grow stronger, faster, and take advantage of the opportunities given to him. Or else, what’s the point?

 

Martin quickly got himself ready, needing to get back into things. He had to prove, not only himself, but Easton. He can’t let Easton think that he can just slam him whenever he wants to. He has to show him he’s not a kid anymore. Martin has to prove to Easton that he’s in control, and Easton needs to respect him.

 

Easton and Martin readied up and continued sparring. Martin fought with a renewed sense of importance. He struck quicker and smarter, and refused to let Easton take any advantage.

 

 

Both boys were sweating, and sore from the spar, but neither were ready to give in yet. Both felt like they had something to prove, and both had a lot of fight left in them. Martin, of course needed to show Easton that he’s the one in control, and needs to be respected. But Easton wanted to keep up with his little cousin, and show him that he’ll be with him every step of the way.

 

Easton caught Martin with an unexpected high kick, which caught Martin off guard completely, not expecting his hulking opponent to pull off such an agile strike. Martin stumbled back, but held his fists up as he refocused quickly. Just as he did, he saw Easton running at him, and slamming him into the wall behind them.

 

Martin struggled in this situation, not having access to anything helpful, as Easton’s shoulder was piercing into his stomach. Again, he felt helpless.

 

Martin raised his legs up, slamming them into Easton with increasing fury, which lead to Easton pulling away, in fear of getting pummeled further. Martin cried out as he chased after Easton in an emotional barrage, pounding him with strike after strike. Easton stayed on the defensive, trying his best to handle the onslaught he was receiving, but could only do so much, as it felt as if Martin would never grow tired.

 

Easton managed to duck under one of Martin’s strikes and grabbed onto him, sliding behind and connecting his hands around Martin’s waist. Martin tried to undo Easton’s hands, but they were tight as a lock. Martin felt his legs leave the ground again, and refused to let himself get helplessly slammed to the ground again.

 

Martin hooked his legs around the inside of Eaton’s mammoth thighs, and stopped himself from getting pulled on any longer. Then, he slammed his elbow back into Easton’s head, feeling his cousin wobble as the strike hit clean against his helmet. Easton unlocked his hands, and let Martin go, who fell to the floor, then rolled away, to reassess the situation.

 

Easton looked slightly dazed, but trotted forward at Martin, who took a defensive stance. Easton tried to catch Martin off guard again with a high kick, but Martin saw it coming.

Martin ducked underneath Easton’s high kick and saw the big, ample bulge pushing out in his jeans as he went underneath. Without any thought, Martin realized that he had to take advantage of the opportunity and put his opponent down.

 

Martin took a safe position behind Easton, then moved in and grabbed a hold of his cousin’s leg before it hit the floor. Martin held his hand under Eaton’s knee, and lifted as high as he could. Then, Martin raised his knee up between Easton’s legs, slamming his bony knee cap into the large, and partially lifted pouch, making direct contact with Easton’s lying testicles. Easton let out a surprised “Ooof!” as he felt his crotch receive a surprising pressure.

 

Martin didn’t let that be it, he needed to do more. He pulled Easton’s knee up higher, and pulled him back by the neck, slamming Easton’s bulking body to the floor. Before Easton could protect himself, or make any conclusions, Martin pulled Easton’s leg away from his body, further spreading his legs, and quickly, and angrily lifted and stomped his dirty, educated but harsh heel into a soft, but fragile landing. Martin aimed his heel down at the obvious bulge between his cousin’s legs, which was protruding thanks to the pressure Martin pushed on it earlier, and further tightening Easton’s jeans around the center of his spread legs.

Martin watched as his heel sunk into that bulbous sack, and felt as it pushed in and flattened Easton’s unsuspecting manhood. Martin was proud of the feeling he got when he stomped down, feeling that he hit the orb dead on. He almost expected the orb to pop like a water balloon under his well-trained heel.

 

Martin pulled his foot down and out, dragging Easton’s abused testicle with his foot as it left his crotch, then slammed his cousin’s leg and his own foot down at the same time. Martin stepped back and felt that he proved his point, and watched Easton react accordingly.

 

Both of Easton's hands fiercely gripped his assaulted bulge, as he looked torn between two sides as he rocked back and forth on his back, his face a mask of shock and agony, before he started coughing out aggressively and then curled over on his side. He shook and shuddered, before grunting tightly and rolling his eyes. 

The pain Easton felt was unlike anything he’s ever experienced before. He’s gotten tapped at school, some unfortunate accidents, even some broken ribs. He’s been through a lot, but none of those came anywhere near the pure, searing agony that exploded in his loins, thanks to his little cousin. The knee was a jolt to his system, but it didn’t settle in until his body banged to the floor. But by then, Martin’s vile foot already slammed into his right testicle dead on, and the pain surmounted any possible preconceptions.

 

Easton would’ve screamed again if he could’ve breathed, but he had absolutely no ability to do so. He breathlessly coughed and whined pitifully as his powerful frame felt too much to control. He flopped helplessly, and shoved his legs in and out as tears filled his eyes as he continued to struggle to find breathe through the waves of agony he was experiencing.

 

Martin watched his cousin writhe in terrible agony as a tsunami of confliction swarmed over him. A shockwave hit Martin’s young body hard, as the pain he inflicted on his cousin made Martin sick to his tender loins.

 

Martin told himself that this was the right thing, and he had to take advantage of the situation. You’d never know when you’ll get another opportunity like that, and he had to get his practice in. Martin also felt that he had to pound into Easton that he does not mess around anymore. Easton needed to know that Martin is the real deal.

 

But watching his cousin’s reaction, it didn’t filled him with pride that he was able to perform his actions so perfectly. Instead, it filled him with regret that his friendly cousin has to feel the results of such a brutal onslaught. Martin remembered how he felt when that Villain did that to him. He flashed back to the moment, and saw himself writhing, just like that.

 

“Aahhhh... oh my god! Waaa... uhh, ugh MMMMAAAAHHHH!!!” Easton was barely able to let out, all too familiarly for Martin.

 

Easton’s face was red, and his bare upper body was covered with sweat, surging with a pain too pure to comprehend. A pain that his younger cousin forced upon him, undeservedly so. Easton thought they had a great relationship, and this was supposed to be a throwback to good times, and a start for more to come. But Martin blatantly and unhonorably attacking his balls, his weak points so brutally… Easton couldn’t understand why Martin did this to him. It was so uncalled for.

 

Easton heaved and strained, and when he put his knees on the floor, his upper body and throat convulsed. Martin could see his tight legs closed together, but a hand breaking through the crack and cupping the damaged good with his fingers aimed up, then heard a heavy heave. He saw that Easton let out some sickness on the floor in front of him, then let some more out, choking on the pain.

 

Martin found himself feeling more sick at the sight, and woefully turned away. He shoved a hand down his cup, clutching his unfractured boys, and slowly melted to the floor, understanding his cousin’s pain in the moment. Martin closed his eyes as he looked down and experienced his own medicine.

 

“Martin, what the fuck!?” Easton screamed out while Martin was hunched over, looking down with his eyes closed.

 

“Why the fuck did you do that!? Oh my god dude, I think you popped it…” Easton let out with a nauseating mixture of rage and pathetic misery. Martin could hear Easton groan gutturally, then heard a bang hit the floor, as Easton cried out a screeching howl. Martin felt himself grow sicker, and shook his head.

 

“My balls… what the fuck Martin… why’d you do that…” Easton whimpered after some time.

 

Martin looked over and saw his imposing and powerful cousin curled up in a ball, both hands between his legs. He’s managed to crawl away from the vomit he let out on the floor, but that’s all he’s managed to do. Martin saw that Easton was still in tremendous pain. Sweat was still all over his strong, masculine body, and his face was still beat red. Martin saw Easton’s solemn brown eyes open and look into his own. Martin looked back down and shook his head.

 

“I… don’t know. I felt angry, and… I’m sorry.” Martin said through his own pain.

 

“You got angry, so you broke my fucking balls!?” Easton let out, then began viciously coughing again. From the way his body was moving, and the sounds of the coughs, Martin was sure Easton was going to throw up again. He closed his eyes and looked down again.

 

“There’s no excuse for this! You fucking asshole! You don’t fucking do this to a guy! Especially your fucking cousin!” Easton bellowed out with offended fury.

 

Martin heard Easton curse him out under his breath, and shook his head. He’s wrong, he thought to himself. He needs to be able to do this. He had to be able to do this, or else, he’ll be exactly where Easton is right now. Curled on the floor, next to a puddle of vomit, crippled with nut pain, and only being able to curse The Villain out, until the pain subsides.

 

“It’s…” Martin began. But, he couldn’t bear to justify the pain he caused his cousin to his face. Not then, not there. Not with the pain he was feeling too.

 

“Can… you get me ice. Please.” Easton begged.

 

Martin nodded, and pushed himself up. He was feeling pain still, but it was nowhere near as bad as Easton’s. He walked past Easton’s body, as it lied flat, with his face down and hands cupping his bruised crotch. Martin looked down at Easton’s back muscles, and saw the way they were contorting. For some reason, Martin stood still, frozen as he was focused on how impressive his cousin’s muscles looked in the moment. He then shook himself out of it, and walked upstairs.

 

He went to the kitchen to get a couple bags of ice. He looked down at the bags of ice in his hands, then closed his eyes. He put them down, sat back against the wall, and began to feel tears build up in his eyes. He tried to hold them back, but it only amounted in a bigger flood to drown his eyes. He gave in, and let those tears flow out, as he sat there next to the two bags of ice. He wondered if Villains cried like this too.

 

 

After Martin collected himself, he walked downstairs with the partially melted ice, and gave a bag to his cousin.

 

“I’m sorry, Easton… I’m so sorry.” Martin said timidly, looking away from his cousin. He had a hand down his pants, holding his bare balls himself, trying to comfort the phantom pain he was experiencing too. He couldn’t bear to look at his cousin, who was feeling a very real, and very traumatizing pain. A pain that Martin himself, willingly gave him. Martin even tried to convince himself that it was the right thing to do.

 

 

No one said anything for some time, both boys in their own thoughts and worlds. Martin cleaned up the vomit from the floor, and then sat back down, trying not to look at his cousin. Easton was lying back, holding the bag of ice between his legs and breathing slowly. He tried to not aggravate himself too much, or get too mad at Martin, but it was difficult. Time helped him calm down though.

 

“Easton… I’m sorry.”

 

“I know, you said it earlier.”

 

“Yeah, but… I’m sorry. I-I just don’t… know what to do. Everything feels so scary and…” Martin said, still not being able to look at Easton in the moment. He didn’t know what he should be saying or doing, but Easton deserved better than what he’s been given. Martin knows that.

 

“What? What’s scaring you, bro?” Easton said, realizing something might be up. He tried to sit up, but the pain brought him back down. He decided to lie on his side, and hold onto the ice pack with his free hand.

 

“...everything, you know? The world is so cold and mean.”

 

Easton tried to understand his cousin. He nodded his head and agreed with him.

 

“Yeah, I know. It’s like you can’t trust people. But, you know you can trust me Martin. I’m not out to get you.”

 

Martin shook his head, grunting with his mouth closed.

 

“It’s not that…like… I don’t know. I’m sorry Easton.”

 

Easton looked over his cousin, seeing the body of a young man who was confused and needed help.

 

“It’s alright little man. You-”

 

“Don’t call me little!” Martin snapped, glaring at Easton. Martin instantly felt rude, and looked away again. “Sorry.”

 

“No, it’s alright. You aren’t little. You’re a strong, matured dude now. You were winning too... I gotta prove myself to both you, and myself, next time.”

Martin smiled warmly, glancing up at Easton, full of pride in his acclaimed abilities.

 

“You still gotta work on controlling yourself, and leaving yourself open… but-” Easton interrupted himself, as he shifted himself a bit. He was still in pain, and just pinched something he shouldn’t of. “but, we can work on that, bro. Just, don’t be going breaking my balls like that, alright?”

 

Martin nodded and felt his stomach curl when Easton mentioned breaking his balls.

 

“Like, that was intense dude! You lifted my leg up to get a better shot, then threw me down and stomped your heel on righty, dead on! You don’t want any little nephews, huh?” Easton joked, studying Martin’s reaction. Martin laughed a little bit at the end, but he looked uncomfortable for most of it. Easton reasoned that it’s a sore spot for Martin, and left it alone.

Easton pulled to his knees and tried to get up. The terrible nut pain inside him rushed through him again, and he felt a new wave of sickness hit him hard. Martin rushed over and held onto his cousin, trying to help hold him up.

“Aw dude, I think I’m gonna throw up again…” Easton moaned out with his eyes closed. Martin found himself feeling both guilty and anxious hearing this, but he couldn’t look away from the cousin he was holding onto.

 

“Do you need me to get you something?”

 

“No, it’s fine. Just, let me lie here actually.” Easton asked weakly, as he tried to let his body fall down. Martin let him down gently, then stepped back as Easton curled in a ball and breathed slowly. The bag of ice was still in his groin, but Easton looked like he might be having a pleasant dream.

 

“I’ll catch you upstairs, bro.” Easton said softly.

 

“You sure?”

 

“Yeah… I need a few minutes, I’ll be fine.”

 

“O-okay.” Martin said, feeling unsure. He looked down at his cousin for a moment, before standing up and awkwardly shuffling away. He was about to go up the stairs, before he stopped himself.

 

“Easton?”

“Yeah?”

 

“I… I’m sorry, again. But, I want you to know, that I’m glad you’re staying with me.”

 

Easton looked up at Martin and saw him smiling softly. He still looked unsure and scared, but Easton knows he heard that little kid he knew all those years ago come out of that body.

 

“Me too, big guy. Me too.” Easton smiled.

 

Martin turned and went up the stairs with a skip in his step. Easton laughed gently, then drifted off as best he could, hoping he could get up without feeling sick soon.